David Benavidez is set for an intriguing cruiserweight clash next month as he challenges for Gilberto Ramirez’s unified titles at 200lbs.

‘The Mexican Monster’ is keen to build on his legacy and has accepted a daring step up for this scrap with WBA and WBO champion Ramirez, who has lost only once in his 49 career fights to date.

Benavidez remains the WBC light-heavyweight world champion and has vowed to return the 175lbs division, regardless of the outcome of his clash with ‘Zurdo’, planning on challenging Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight throne.

Speaking on the Unscripted podcast with Josh Mansour, recently stripped two-time IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia revealed that he expects Benavidez to come out on top, despite his inexperience at the weight.

“I reckon Benavidez will get it. It will be a good fight and there will be a lot of punches thrown because both of them are just workhorses, they are typical Mexicans.”

Opetaia then went on to plead for the opportunity to face the victor, keen to regain a traditional world title.

“I don’t care who wins. Please, let’s just fight [the winner] afterwards.”

Opetaia was the first major signing of Dana White’s promotion, Zuffa Boxing, and fought for the organisation’s cruiserweight belt in his debut. Because of this, he was stripped of the IBF belt he fought so hard to win on two occasions.

It means that he no longer presents the opportunity to unify the division in the traditional manner, meaning that, other than challenging one of the best fighters in the division, there lies no championship reward for Benavidez or ‘Zurdo.’

Manchester United-linked Noah Sadiki has been valued at around £45 million ahead of a potential summer move from Sunderland, according to latest reports.

TEAMTalk claim that both Chelsea and United are showing an interest in the midfielder, although the Blues are currently the ‘most active’.

It’s reported that Liam Rosenior’s side have held talks with the player’s representatives over a possible £45 million move.

United are also said to have held discussions even before the player moved to Sunderland last summer, with suggestions of a swap deal in discussions.

Atlanta United and New England Revolution will battle for three points in MLS Eastern Conference action on Wednesday (April 22nd). The game will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The home side are coming into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Nashville SC at the same venue over the weekend. Cristian Espinoza broke the deadlock just past the hour mark, while Shak Mohammed stepped off the bench to secure the win in injury time.

The Revolution, meanwhile, claimed maximum points with a 2-1 comeback home win over Columbus Crew. They went into the break behind to Max Arfsten’s 24th-minute strike, but Dor Turgeman equalized nine minutes into the second half. Carles Gil scored the match-winner from the spot with five minutes to go.

The win saw them climb to fifth spot in the Eastern Conference standings, having garnered 12 points from seven games. Atlanta United are second-from-bottom with four points to their name.

Atlanta United vs New England Revolution Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

• New England Revolution have seven wins from the last 17 head-to-head games. Atlanta United were victorious six times, while four games ended in draws.
• Their most recent clash came in September 2025 when the Revolution claimed a 2-0 home win.
• The away side on the day have won just one of the last eight head-to-head games (five losses).
• The Revolution have lost their last six away games on the bounce.
• Atlanta United have won just one of eight league games this season, losing six matches in this run.
• Five of the Revolution’s seven league games this term have produced three goals or more.

Atlanta United vs New England Revolution Prediction

Atlanta United have made a poor start to the season. They started the league campaign with a win against Philadelphia Union in their opening home game of the season, but are winless in three games since then (two losses).

New England Revolution, for their part, have been more consistent and are unbeaten in their last four competitive games (three wins in regulation time).

We expect the two sides to battle it out in an entertaining and high-scoring stalemate.

Prediction: Atlanta United 2-2 Philadelphia Union

Atlanta United vs New England Revolution Betting Tips

Tip 1 – Result: Draw

Tip 2 – Both teams to score

Tip 3 – Over 2.5 goals

Bold Tip – Both teams to score over 1.5 goals